The top 20 fastest players in the Premier League

Speed is a valuable asset on the pitch, both in defense and attack. Just ask a center back about recovering to make a tackle or a center forward chasing down a through-ball. Seeing a player turn on the jets is a joy to see. So, who has the best wheels in the Premier League? Opta did the research for this season, and the answer might surprise you.

20. Joshua King, Bournemouth

King joined the Cherries in 2015 and has been an important element in their attack. With two goals and an assist so far this season, King has ulitized his impressive speed to make a difference. He's reached up 21.506 mph on the pitch.

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18. Jesus Navas, Manchester City (tie)

Time on the pitch has been hard to come by for Navas this season, but he's had enough playing time to showcase his jets. Despite just 185 Premier League minutes this season, he has topped out at 21.531 mph, which sees him tied as the 18th-quickest player this season.

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18. Erik Pieters, Stoke City (tie)

Pieters is a key cog in Stoke's defense, patrolling the left flank and putting his 21.531 mph speed to good use.

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17. Vincent Janssen, Tottenham

Mauricio Pochettino has leaned on his squad to fill in while Harry Kane is on the mend, and newcomer Janssen has been one of those players. He has topped out at 21.555 mph this season.

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16. Michail Antonio, West Ham

Antonio narrowly misses out on the top 15 fastest players at 21.586 mph.

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15. Sadio Mane, Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp loves to make his players run, and Mane is happy to oblige. He was measured at just a hair faster than Antonio at 21.592 mph.

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13. Marko Arnautovic, Stoke (tie)

Arnautovic's streamlined hair is rumored to have reduced his drag coefficient a considerable degree. He checks in at 21.605 mph.

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13. Hector Bellerin, Arsenal (tie)

If you're given a choice of a defender to put in a footrace, odds are you'd choose Bellerin. Your faith would be rewarded, too, as the Spanish right back has reached up to 21.605 mph this season.

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11. Theo Walcott, Arsenal (tie)

Walcott ruptured a knee ligament in the 2014/15 season, but his trademark speed has slowly returned. He lights up the radar gun at 21.611 mph to inch out Arsenal teammate Bellerin and find himself tied for 11th fastest.

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11. Maya Yoshida, Southampton (tie)

Yoshida is more a rotational player under Claude Puel at Southampton, but he has one Premier League start under his belt. The defender reached 21.611 in that match.

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10. Wilfried Zaha, Crystal Palace

Zaha's 21.618 mph pace has seen him feature in eight of Palace's 9 EPL matches this season.

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9. Etienne Capoue, Watford

Capoue has enjoyed a breakout season after joining Watford from Spurs last summer. His wheels can get him up to 21.642 mph.

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7. Eric Bailly, Manchester United (tie)

A big piece of United's summer spending spree, Bailly has topped out at 21.649 mph.

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7. Adama Traore, Middlesbrough (tie)

Traore is just 20 years old, but he can absolutely fly at 21.649 mph.

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6. Andre Gray, Burnley

Burnley were among the favorites to face the drop coming into the season, but have done admirably to change that perception. Having Grey and his 21.667 speed back from suspension should help, as well.